There are fears that the dignity of the 400-year-old office has been compromised by a piece of shameless political horse trading.

Councillor Alan Amos appears to have been given the prestigious role in return for helping the Conservatives at the Guildhall snatch power from the ruling Labour group on Tuesday night.

When elections for Worcester City Council were held last month he was a member of the Labour party.

But he quit just four days ago to become an independent, freeing him to back the Tories in the crucial vote that returned them to power. They had themselves been ousted in a Labour coup just a year ago.

The council was in limbo after the election. The Conservatives were the largest party with 17 seats, but Labour had 16 and the support of one Lib Dem councillor. They had been negotiating for support from the lone Green which would have given them the majority they needed to continue to rule to roost.

Clearly, in such circumstances compromise is necessary to get decisions made.

But the deal that secured the Tory leadership risks being seen as beyond the pale.

The people of Worcester deserve to know if the office of the mayor, which has traditionally been largely ceremonial, has indeed been gifted to Alan Amos in return for his support of the Conservatives.

There are other key questions that demand answers: When did Alan Amos decide he was no longer happy as a Labour councillor and why?

Why didn’t he stand down and fight a by-election as an independent?

If the Conservatives had refused to make Cllr Amos mayor would he still have supported a change in administration?

Absolutely shambolic, it makes a mockery of the Mayoral Office, any respect Alan Amos had has now been lost, he should resign immediately and offer his full apology to the great people of Worcester! what a circus.

Absolutely shambolic, it makes a mockery of the Mayoral Office, any respect Alan Amos had has now been lost, he should resign immediately and offer his full apology to the great people of Worcester! what a circus.Westhamoldguy

A lifelong socialist, he quit the Worcester Labour Party in dramatic fashion in 1992, maintaining it was local policy and not his ideals which had changed. Among several conflicts, he took issue with its opposition to the three traditional civic posts, all of which he had been proud to hold.
“There was so much hypocrisy about at the time,” he said. “I couldn’t stand it any longer.” The electorate preferred the man and not the colour of the flag and Mike successfully stood as an independent thereafter.
“Much was made of the occasions I voted with the Conservatives,” he said. “But if you look at the record, I voted just as often with the Labour side. I supported what I thought was best for Worcester.”

These words were written by your paper Mr Editor not long ago Mike (saint ) Layland a man who changed sides like Mr Amos.

A man which your paper promoted as a paragon of virtue which he is.

Then you went on and wrote "That edgy episode out of the way, this is not meant to be a politicised look at Mike Layland’s public life in Worcester, because there has been a much lighter side."

Double editorial standards

A lifelong socialist, he quit the Worcester Labour Party in dramatic fashion in 1992, maintaining it was local policy and not his ideals which had changed. Among several conflicts, he took issue with its opposition to the three traditional civic posts, all of which he had been proud to hold.
“There was so much hypocrisy about at the time,” he said. “I couldn’t stand it any longer.” The electorate preferred the man and not the colour of the flag and Mike successfully stood as an independent thereafter.
“Much was made of the occasions I voted with the Conservatives,” he said. “But if you look at the record, I voted just as often with the Labour side. I supported what I thought was best for Worcester.”
These words were written by your paper Mr Editor not long ago Mike (saint ) Layland a man who changed sides like Mr Amos.
A man which your paper promoted as a paragon of virtue which he is.
Then you went on and wrote "That edgy episode out of the way, this is not meant to be a politicised look at Mike Layland’s public life in Worcester, because there has been a much lighter side."
Double editorial standardsdenon

The Conservatives will feel they have taken the initiative in ambushing the Labour group before they could finalise a deal with the Greens and Labour, but they are today guilty of degrading our local democracy. Their brazen actions serve only to reinforce the public’s widely-held notions of a self-interested political class.
Whatever the actions of the various party groupings, none of this would have been possible without the duplicity of Alan Amos, regardless of the dithering going on behind the scenes. He is utterly without mandate for what he has done and he has driven a coach and horses through basic principles of representational democracy.
There should be a by-election immediately and if none is forthcoming I urge the people of Worcester to take direct action to remove him and wipe that smile off his face.
Let him see that the voters are not apathetic and are worthy of respect.

The Conservatives will feel they have taken the initiative in ambushing the Labour group before they could finalise a deal with the Greens and Labour, but they are today guilty of degrading our local democracy. Their brazen actions serve only to reinforce the public’s widely-held notions of a self-interested political class.
Whatever the actions of the various party groupings, none of this would have been possible without the duplicity of Alan Amos, regardless of the dithering going on behind the scenes. He is utterly without mandate for what he has done and he has driven a coach and horses through basic principles of representational democracy.
There should be a by-election immediately and if none is forthcoming I urge the people of Worcester to take direct action to remove him and wipe that smile off his face.
Let him see that the voters are not apathetic and are worthy of respect.Ted Elgar

What does it say about local politics here that three senior local councillors have switched sides for reasons of personal promotion ? Bayliss was frustrated in his desire to get on the Labout parliamentary shortlist so he became a Tory, Riaz was cross not to get a safer Tory seat so he switched to Labour and now Amos becomes an "independent" - representing himself it seems - because he wants people to call him Mr Mayor.
I feel sorry for two councillors from opposite parties who came into local politics to serve others rather than themselves. Roger Knight will have to fawn to Amos for a whole year as Deputy Mayor and Paul Denham will have to watch puffed up Narcissus in his chains knowing that he could do the job as it is meant to be done.

What does it say about local politics here that three senior local councillors have switched sides for reasons of personal promotion ? Bayliss was frustrated in his desire to get on the Labout parliamentary shortlist so he became a Tory, Riaz was cross not to get a safer Tory seat so he switched to Labour and now Amos becomes an "independent" - representing himself it seems - because he wants people to call him Mr Mayor.
I feel sorry for two councillors from opposite parties who came into local politics to serve others rather than themselves. Roger Knight will have to fawn to Amos for a whole year as Deputy Mayor and Paul Denham will have to watch puffed up Narcissus in his chains knowing that he could do the job as it is meant to be done.ringthembells

It should also be made clear to the public that he was offered to be put forward for the role of deputy mayor by the Labour Party as Paul Denham being deputy last year was traditionally to stand as mayor this year.But he had already talked to the Tories and wanted / agreed on the first prize - second wasn't good enough. He would rather let the people if Worcester down and think of himself snd his sspurations. I had considered him as s friend but like everyone I feel betrayed. Just hope there is something that can be done about this farse.

It should also be made clear to the public that he was offered to be put forward for the role of deputy mayor by the Labour Party as Paul Denham being deputy last year was traditionally to stand as mayor this year.But he had already talked to the Tories and wanted / agreed on the first prize - second wasn't good enough. He would rather let the people if Worcester down and think of himself snd his sspurations. I had considered him as s friend but like everyone I feel betrayed. Just hope there is something that can be done about this farse.Butterfly dreamer

Sometimes our councillors act as if they are going around a junior playground, arm in arm, chanting........."wh
o wants to be in my gang". The worm was dangled and the fish -or was it a slippery eel - took the bait. Disgraceful. The recent actions portray all I abhor in local politics. I will be making sure that I keep as far away from any functions that Mr. Amos attends. Shameful.

Sometimes our councillors act as if they are going around a junior playground, arm in arm, chanting........."wh
o wants to be in my gang". The worm was dangled and the fish -or was it a slippery eel - took the bait. Disgraceful. The recent actions portray all I abhor in local politics. I will be making sure that I keep as far away from any functions that Mr. Amos attends. Shameful.take a deep breath

denon wrote:
A lifelong socialist, he quit the Worcester Labour Party in dramatic fashion in 1992, maintaining it was local policy and not his ideals which had changed. Among several conflicts, he took issue with its opposition to the three traditional civic posts, all of which he had been proud to hold.
“There was so much hypocrisy about at the time,” he said. “I couldn’t stand it any longer.” The electorate preferred the man and not the colour of the flag and Mike successfully stood as an independent thereafter.
“Much was made of the occasions I voted with the Conservatives,” he said. “But if you look at the record, I voted just as often with the Labour side. I supported what I thought was best for Worcester.”

These words were written by your paper Mr Editor not long ago Mike (saint ) Layland a man who changed sides like Mr Amos.

A man which your paper promoted as a paragon of virtue which he is.

Then you went on and wrote &quot;That edgy episode out of the way, this is not meant to be a politicised look at Mike Layland’s public life in Worcester, because there has been a much lighter side."

Double editorial standards

Not the same at all.
Plenty of politicians change sides, including Winston Churchill, but not many get appointed Mayor in such dubious circumstances.
This simply has brought Worcester into disrepute and the persons responsible should be ashamed.

[quote][p][bold]denon[/bold] wrote:
A lifelong socialist, he quit the Worcester Labour Party in dramatic fashion in 1992, maintaining it was local policy and not his ideals which had changed. Among several conflicts, he took issue with its opposition to the three traditional civic posts, all of which he had been proud to hold.
“There was so much hypocrisy about at the time,” he said. “I couldn’t stand it any longer.” The electorate preferred the man and not the colour of the flag and Mike successfully stood as an independent thereafter.
“Much was made of the occasions I voted with the Conservatives,” he said. “But if you look at the record, I voted just as often with the Labour side. I supported what I thought was best for Worcester.”
These words were written by your paper Mr Editor not long ago Mike (saint ) Layland a man who changed sides like Mr Amos.
A man which your paper promoted as a paragon of virtue which he is.
Then you went on and wrote "That edgy episode out of the way, this is not meant to be a politicised look at Mike Layland’s public life in Worcester, because there has been a much lighter side."
Double editorial standards[/p][/quote]Not the same at all.
Plenty of politicians change sides, including Winston Churchill, but not many get appointed Mayor in such dubious circumstances.
This simply has brought Worcester into disrepute and the persons responsible should be ashamed.brooksider

High Time wrote:
Looking at some of the comments on here I wonder how many are paid up members of the Labour Party.

Do you think that it's only Labour Party members who feel betrayed over what this man has done. Anyone with any sense of morality from either side of the political spectrum can see that this is wrong.

[quote][p][bold]High Time[/bold] wrote:
Looking at some of the comments on here I wonder how many are paid up members of the Labour Party.[/p][/quote]Do you think that it's only Labour Party members who feel betrayed over what this man has done. Anyone with any sense of morality from either side of the political spectrum can see that this is wrong.Worcester woman 1964

Worcester woman 1964 said,
"Do you think that it's only Labour Party members who feel betrayed over what this man has done. Anyone with any sense of morality from either side of the political spectrum can see that this is wrong".

It comes a little suspicious when all we read is critical comments about Alan Amos and the Tories, some of these comments would be more convincing if some of the mud was thrown at Labour and Councillor Riaz also. No difference whatsoever between the two of them, but had Labour's treachery paid off, the boot would be entirely on the other foot with Riaz being Deputy Mayor as a Labourite Councillor. What Labour failed to do was "see the wood for the trees" and learn the lesson that if you show disloyalty to your own, they will show disloyalty to you - as Alan Amos did.
A lesson for all parties here and it is no use Labourites bleating about "skulduggery" and so on, serves them right I say. I am for UKIP, lets hope they learn some lessons in dirty work before the next election.

Worcester woman 1964 said,
"Do you think that it's only Labour Party members who feel betrayed over what this man has done. Anyone with any sense of morality from either side of the political spectrum can see that this is wrong".
It comes a little suspicious when all we read is critical comments about Alan Amos and the Tories, some of these comments would be more convincing if some of the mud was thrown at Labour and Councillor Riaz also. No difference whatsoever between the two of them, but had Labour's treachery paid off, the boot would be entirely on the other foot with Riaz being Deputy Mayor as a Labourite Councillor. What Labour failed to do was "see the wood for the trees" and learn the lesson that if you show disloyalty to your own, they will show disloyalty to you - as Alan Amos did.
A lesson for all parties here and it is no use Labourites bleating about "skulduggery" and so on, serves them right I say. I am for UKIP, lets hope they learn some lessons in dirty work before the next election.Shropshirelad

1. The whole lot should be reported to the relevant Ombudsman for abuse of public office.
2. The voter should boycott any events at which either Mayor or Deputy Mayor are invited, commencing with the civic service on June 22. How some of them have the front to attend the Cathedral is beyond most of us.

1. The whole lot should be reported to the relevant Ombudsman for abuse of public office.
2. The voter should boycott any events at which either Mayor or Deputy Mayor are invited, commencing with the civic service on June 22. How some of them have the front to attend the Cathedral is beyond most of us.Voice of the Voyager

Shropshirelad wrote:
Worcester woman 1964 said,
&quot;Do you think that it's only Labour Party members who feel betrayed over what this man has done. Anyone with any sense of morality from either side of the political spectrum can see that this is wrong".

It comes a little suspicious when all we read is critical comments about Alan Amos and the Tories, some of these comments would be more convincing if some of the mud was thrown at Labour and Councillor Riaz also. No difference whatsoever between the two of them, but had Labour's treachery paid off, the boot would be entirely on the other foot with Riaz being Deputy Mayor as a Labourite Councillor. What Labour failed to do was "see the wood for the trees" and learn the lesson that if you show disloyalty to your own, they will show disloyalty to you - as Alan Amos did.
A lesson for all parties here and it is no use Labourites bleating about "skulduggery" and so on, serves them right I say. I am for UKIP, lets hope they learn some lessons in dirty work before the next election.

Shropshire lad there is one huge difference between riaz and Amos. Riaz has fought a very tough seat in cathedral ward and won it as a labour councillor. Amos defected from labour for his own political gain. Read up on his political and personal past and you will be more ware of the type if person you are defending. He changes political allegiance like the wind. He won never have won warndon as an independent
This is an issue of democracy. You can vote ukip but I'm sure that if your upkip candidate got in on ukip policies only to change allegence to support a pro Europe party then you wouldn't be too pleased
Let's just hope our new mayor continues to keep his trousers up with the weight of all those chains

[quote][p][bold]Shropshirelad[/bold] wrote:
Worcester woman 1964 said,
"Do you think that it's only Labour Party members who feel betrayed over what this man has done. Anyone with any sense of morality from either side of the political spectrum can see that this is wrong".
It comes a little suspicious when all we read is critical comments about Alan Amos and the Tories, some of these comments would be more convincing if some of the mud was thrown at Labour and Councillor Riaz also. No difference whatsoever between the two of them, but had Labour's treachery paid off, the boot would be entirely on the other foot with Riaz being Deputy Mayor as a Labourite Councillor. What Labour failed to do was "see the wood for the trees" and learn the lesson that if you show disloyalty to your own, they will show disloyalty to you - as Alan Amos did.
A lesson for all parties here and it is no use Labourites bleating about "skulduggery" and so on, serves them right I say. I am for UKIP, lets hope they learn some lessons in dirty work before the next election.[/p][/quote]Shropshire lad there is one huge difference between riaz and Amos. Riaz has fought a very tough seat in cathedral ward and won it as a labour councillor. Amos defected from labour for his own political gain. Read up on his political and personal past and you will be more ware of the type if person you are defending. He changes political allegiance like the wind. He won never have won warndon as an independent
This is an issue of democracy. You can vote ukip but I'm sure that if your upkip candidate got in on ukip policies only to change allegence to support a pro Europe party then you wouldn't be too pleased
Let's just hope our new mayor continues to keep his trousers up with the weight of all those chainsWorcester woman 1964

Voice of the Voyager wrote:
1. The whole lot should be reported to the relevant Ombudsman for abuse of public office.
2. The voter should boycott any events at which either Mayor or Deputy Mayor are invited, commencing with the civic service on June 22. How some of them have the front to attend the Cathedral is beyond most of us.

Totally agree.

The whole scenario in the name of self-interest before public interest disgusts me and should disgust all who hold the law of the land and trust in politics as sacrosanct to the electorate and not the individual.

[quote][p][bold]Voice of the Voyager[/bold] wrote:
1. The whole lot should be reported to the relevant Ombudsman for abuse of public office.
2. The voter should boycott any events at which either Mayor or Deputy Mayor are invited, commencing with the civic service on June 22. How some of them have the front to attend the Cathedral is beyond most of us.[/p][/quote]Totally agree.
The whole scenario in the name of self-interest before public interest disgusts me and should disgust all who hold the law of the land and trust in politics as sacrosanct to the electorate and not the individual.The Villan

Shropshirelad wrote:
Worcester woman 1964 said,
&quot;Do you think that it's only Labour Party members who feel betrayed over what this man has done. Anyone with any sense of morality from either side of the political spectrum can see that this is wrong".

It comes a little suspicious when all we read is critical comments about Alan Amos and the Tories, some of these comments would be more convincing if some of the mud was thrown at Labour and Councillor Riaz also. No difference whatsoever between the two of them, but had Labour's treachery paid off, the boot would be entirely on the other foot with Riaz being Deputy Mayor as a Labourite Councillor. What Labour failed to do was "see the wood for the trees" and learn the lesson that if you show disloyalty to your own, they will show disloyalty to you - as Alan Amos did.
A lesson for all parties here and it is no use Labourites bleating about "skulduggery" and so on, serves them right I say. I am for UKIP, lets hope they learn some lessons in dirty work before the next election.

Shropshire lad there is one huge difference between riaz and Amos. Riaz has fought a very tough seat in cathedral ward and won it as a labour councillor. Amos defected from labour for his own political gain. Read up on his political and personal past and you will be more ware of the type if person you are defending. He changes political allegiance like the wind. He won never have won warndon as an independent
This is an issue of democracy. You can vote ukip but I'm sure that if your upkip candidate got in on ukip policies only to change allegence to support a pro Europe party then you wouldn't be too pleased
Let's just hope our new mayor continues to keep his trousers up with the weight of all those chains

[quote][p][bold]Shropshirelad[/bold] wrote:
Worcester woman 1964 said,
"Do you think that it's only Labour Party members who feel betrayed over what this man has done. Anyone with any sense of morality from either side of the political spectrum can see that this is wrong".
It comes a little suspicious when all we read is critical comments about Alan Amos and the Tories, some of these comments would be more convincing if some of the mud was thrown at Labour and Councillor Riaz also. No difference whatsoever between the two of them, but had Labour's treachery paid off, the boot would be entirely on the other foot with Riaz being Deputy Mayor as a Labourite Councillor. What Labour failed to do was "see the wood for the trees" and learn the lesson that if you show disloyalty to your own, they will show disloyalty to you - as Alan Amos did.
A lesson for all parties here and it is no use Labourites bleating about "skulduggery" and so on, serves them right I say. I am for UKIP, lets hope they learn some lessons in dirty work before the next election.[/p][/quote]Shropshire lad there is one huge difference between riaz and Amos. Riaz has fought a very tough seat in cathedral ward and won it as a labour councillor. Amos defected from labour for his own political gain. Read up on his political and personal past and you will be more ware of the type if person you are defending. He changes political allegiance like the wind. He won never have won warndon as an independent
This is an issue of democracy. You can vote ukip but I'm sure that if your upkip candidate got in on ukip policies only to change allegence to support a pro Europe party then you wouldn't be too pleased
Let's just hope our new mayor continues to keep his trousers up with the weight of all those chainsWorcester woman 1964

I suspect there was very little altruism involved in Jabba Riaz`s decision to switch sides, given the indecent haste in his progression to potential Deputy Mayor - looks very like an "Amos" type of deal.
In both parties there are more deserving Mayors and Deputy Mayors to be found. Wish they`d both stop trying to kid us there was anything honourable in their decisions!

I suspect there was very little altruism involved in Jabba Riaz`s decision to switch sides, given the indecent haste in his progression to potential Deputy Mayor - looks very like an "Amos" type of deal.
In both parties there are more deserving Mayors and Deputy Mayors to be found. Wish they`d both stop trying to kid us there was anything honourable in their decisions!Doogie 46

Jabba Riaz is as bad as Alan Amos and worse and I have possibly lived in this fair city longer than any other blogger on this stream - so you or nobody else can tell me about the local parties or individuals. Riaz wanted the Tories to give him a different seat because he knew that in the particular ward he was fighting they were toxic and he was unlikely to win - when they declined his kind offer, he ups and joins Labour in a ward where he was almost guaranteed success. Oh' yes, he fought for his seat right enough. He left the Tories because he hadn't got the stomach to fight under the Tory banner in a questionable ward. As a "come on over" present from Labour, he was possibly offered the post of Deputy Mayor but thank god their guns were spiked by Mayor Amos. I wonder how Mr Riaz and the Labourites feel now, a fit of chicanery and deceit, all for nought.

Worcester woman 1964:-
Jabba Riaz is as bad as Alan Amos and worse and I have possibly lived in this fair city longer than any other blogger on this stream - so you or nobody else can tell me about the local parties or individuals. Riaz wanted the Tories to give him a different seat because he knew that in the particular ward he was fighting they were toxic and he was unlikely to win - when they declined his kind offer, he ups and joins Labour in a ward where he was almost guaranteed success. Oh' yes, he fought for his seat right enough. He left the Tories because he hadn't got the stomach to fight under the Tory banner in a questionable ward. As a "come on over" present from Labour, he was possibly offered the post of Deputy Mayor but thank god their guns were spiked by Mayor Amos. I wonder how Mr Riaz and the Labourites feel now, a fit of chicanery and deceit, all for nought.Shropshirelad

Shropshire lad. You are entitled to your views. Just as I am entitled to mine regardless of how long either of us has lived here It's called democracy
What a shame that the people of warndon have been denied their democratic rights. Or do they not count Perhaps they haven't lived here long enough

Shropshire lad. You are entitled to your views. Just as I am entitled to mine regardless of how long either of us has lived here It's called democracy
What a shame that the people of warndon have been denied their democratic rights. Or do they not count Perhaps they haven't lived here long enoughWorcester woman 1964

Interesting comments, the majority obviously very political. If the boot was on the other foot then Labour would have done exactly the same - so please lets us quit the hypocrisy. In this evenings paper the labour party admit they were caught off guard. I would suggest the Conservatives played a very clever game of chess. I was at the meeting on Tuesday and what was very apparent was that the conservative party was wanting to be balanced and fair to all, being very sensitive to the fact that that there was NO clear majority. In adopting an Independent Mayor this reflects the hung nature of the balance of power. Cllr Paul Denham will be an excellent mayor, but now is not the time - his time will come. When all said and done all councillors want to do what is best for Worcester. Sadly central office of both parties forbid them to work together. Mayor Amos will no doubt do his utmost to be a mayor we can be proud of - time will be the judge.

Interesting comments, the majority obviously very political. If the boot was on the other foot then Labour would have done exactly the same - so please lets us quit the hypocrisy. In this evenings paper the labour party admit they were caught off guard. I would suggest the Conservatives played a very clever game of chess. I was at the meeting on Tuesday and what was very apparent was that the conservative party was wanting to be balanced and fair to all, being very sensitive to the fact that that there was NO clear majority. In adopting an Independent Mayor this reflects the hung nature of the balance of power. Cllr Paul Denham will be an excellent mayor, but now is not the time - his time will come. When all said and done all councillors want to do what is best for Worcester. Sadly central office of both parties forbid them to work together. Mayor Amos will no doubt do his utmost to be a mayor we can be proud of - time will be the judge.Stuart 1

I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.

I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.jammer1010

who was more desrving of mayor ? for years it has been given out on the basis of time served , amos labour 12 years , riaz labour 12 minutes...mmmm . the local party trying to impress a small section of the community in the hope of votes at the general election., walk over their own guy . The labour party cynical as ever got what they deserved.

who was more desrving of mayor ? for years it has been given out on the basis of time served , amos labour 12 years , riaz labour 12 minutes...mmmm . the local party trying to impress a small section of the community in the hope of votes at the general election., walk over their own guy . The labour party cynical as ever got what they deserved.ray1111

"Civic Service
At the request of the Mayor's office the Civic Service on Sunday 22 June has been cancelled. A new date later in the year will be announced."
--------------------
--------------------
--------------------
--------------------
Mr Mayor are you running scared of the public protest?Deskin

With the Mayor's caution for indecency in 1992 - I quote from today's issue - may we ask how many organisations, schools, scout groups, churches et al, will be prepared to issue him invitations. Indeed, would he pass a Disclosure Check for working within such establishments? The Conservatives might be rejoicing at having obtained power, but unintentionally - stupidly - invoked the law of unintended consequences by appointing a mayor who is being ostracised by his own City as a result of their short sighted actions, and may well be cold shouldered by those his office is set up to support and visit. A week might be a long time in politics, but a year when sat in the mayoral chamber, with nowhere to go and no one to see, is a sentence.

This whole farce needs sorting out and quickly, because it will fester for the next twelve months, and leave resentment for years thereafter. Both political parties have to have their heads banged together to stir up any little sense they may possess, admit they have completely let their electorate and this City down, admit they have denigrated the office of mayor, should re run the electoral vote within the Warndon ward, look to appoint untainted councillors for the civic offices (Paul Denham and Roger Knight, as was, prior to all this).

Because if they do not, the electorate will extract retaliation, revenge and retribution on those who instigated this sordid affair, by voting out those responsible, either at a local, or national level in 2015.

It is not good enough for Robin Walker to wring his hands and say it is a difficult situation; if you don't crack the whip with the Tory idiots who came up with this odious plan, you will not be an MP in 2015. It is in your lap to look to censure those responsible through Conservative Campaign HQ, show some backbone, and show that this has not been given the nod by those higher up the command structure - because if it was, and they knew and encouraged it, then your tenure on the green benches will terminate abruptly in 333 days time. That should focus the mind somewhat...

Finally, plaudits to the WN team for not being deflected, digging away, and reporting the whole affair, despite probably losing friends in political circles in the process. Keep up the good work.

With the Mayor's caution for indecency in 1992 - I quote from today's issue - may we ask how many organisations, schools, scout groups, churches et al, will be prepared to issue him invitations. Indeed, would he pass a Disclosure Check for working within such establishments? The Conservatives might be rejoicing at having obtained power, but unintentionally - stupidly - invoked the law of unintended consequences by appointing a mayor who is being ostracised by his own City as a result of their short sighted actions, and may well be cold shouldered by those his office is set up to support and visit. A week might be a long time in politics, but a year when sat in the mayoral chamber, with nowhere to go and no one to see, is a sentence.
This whole farce needs sorting out and quickly, because it will fester for the next twelve months, and leave resentment for years thereafter. Both political parties have to have their heads banged together to stir up any little sense they may possess, admit they have completely let their electorate and this City down, admit they have denigrated the office of mayor, should re run the electoral vote within the Warndon ward, look to appoint untainted councillors for the civic offices (Paul Denham and Roger Knight, as was, prior to all this).
Because if they do not, the electorate will extract retaliation, revenge and retribution on those who instigated this sordid affair, by voting out those responsible, either at a local, or national level in 2015.
It is not good enough for Robin Walker to wring his hands and say it is a difficult situation; if you don't crack the whip with the Tory idiots who came up with this odious plan, you will not be an MP in 2015. It is in your lap to look to censure those responsible through Conservative Campaign HQ, show some backbone, and show that this has not been given the nod by those higher up the command structure - because if it was, and they knew and encouraged it, then your tenure on the green benches will terminate abruptly in 333 days time. That should focus the mind somewhat...
Finally, plaudits to the WN team for not being deflected, digging away, and reporting the whole affair, despite probably losing friends in political circles in the process. Keep up the good work.Voice of the Voyager

I don't think I've ever read such a politically biased article in a local newspaper.

It's one thing to report biased opinions, but another to be the originator of them.

While most national papers have known political leanings, I strongly believe a local paper ought to strive for objectivity - across the full political spectrum.

Asking questions and reporting opinions is fine - but this 'article' reads as if it's been written by a Labour press officer!

I don't think I've ever read such a politically biased article in a local newspaper.
It's one thing to report biased opinions, but another to be the originator of them.
While most national papers have known political leanings, I strongly believe a local paper ought to strive for objectivity - across the full political spectrum.
Asking questions and reporting opinions is fine - but this 'article' reads as if it's been written by a Labour press officer!FromTheOutside

FromTheOutside wrote:
I don't think I've ever read such a politically biased article in a local newspaper.

It's one thing to report biased opinions, but another to be the originator of them.

While most national papers have known political leanings, I strongly believe a local paper ought to strive for objectivity - across the full political spectrum.

Asking questions and reporting opinions is fine - but this 'article' reads as if it's been written by a Labour press officer!

It's not political bias by the WN, it's showing the councillors for what they are from all sides of the political divide and the complete farce this episode from Tuesday onwards has shown their arrogance and self-interest.

There are no winners here, just a bunch of narcissists.

[quote][p][bold]FromTheOutside[/bold] wrote:
I don't think I've ever read such a politically biased article in a local newspaper.
It's one thing to report biased opinions, but another to be the originator of them.
While most national papers have known political leanings, I strongly believe a local paper ought to strive for objectivity - across the full political spectrum.
Asking questions and reporting opinions is fine - but this 'article' reads as if it's been written by a Labour press officer![/p][/quote]It's not political bias by the WN, it's showing the councillors for what they are from all sides of the political divide and the complete farce this episode from Tuesday onwards has shown their arrogance and self-interest.
There are no winners here, just a bunch of narcissists.The Villan

FromTheOutside wrote:
I don't think I've ever read such a politically biased article in a local newspaper.

It's one thing to report biased opinions, but another to be the originator of them.

While most national papers have known political leanings, I strongly believe a local paper ought to strive for objectivity - across the full political spectrum.

Asking questions and reporting opinions is fine - but this 'article' reads as if it's been written by a Labour press officer!

It's not political bias by the WN, it's showing the councillors for what they are from all sides of the political divide and the complete farce this episode from Tuesday onwards has shown their arrogance and self-interest.

There are no winners here, just a bunch of narcissists.

If this was true it'd be quite refreshing for a paper to have an opinion favouring a centre left party, and good for democracy. Most of the national press have no qualms at exercising their right wing opinions and ideology to the public. If local press should stay neutral so should the national.

[quote][p][bold]The Villan [/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FromTheOutside[/bold] wrote:
I don't think I've ever read such a politically biased article in a local newspaper.
It's one thing to report biased opinions, but another to be the originator of them.
While most national papers have known political leanings, I strongly believe a local paper ought to strive for objectivity - across the full political spectrum.
Asking questions and reporting opinions is fine - but this 'article' reads as if it's been written by a Labour press officer![/p][/quote]It's not political bias by the WN, it's showing the councillors for what they are from all sides of the political divide and the complete farce this episode from Tuesday onwards has shown their arrogance and self-interest.
There are no winners here, just a bunch of narcissists.[/p][/quote]If this was true it'd be quite refreshing for a paper to have an opinion favouring a centre left party, and good for democracy. Most of the national press have no qualms at exercising their right wing opinions and ideology to the public. If local press should stay neutral so should the national.jammer1010

If so perhaps he needs to skip to the end. It clearly recommends "take a holiday to get away from it all" Unfortunately I think he should be doing this at the end of his year in office.

Still I'm sure Simon and Marc can get along nicely without him.

I wonder whether Mr Mayor, whilst off sunning his worshipfulness is reading this useful "How to be a Mayor' on his Kindle.
https://www.cambridg
e.gov.uk/sites/www.c
ambridge.gov.uk/file
s/documents/lga-join
ing-the-chain-gang.p
df
If so perhaps he needs to skip to the end. It clearly recommends "take a holiday to get away from it all" Unfortunately I think he should be doing this at the end of his year in office.
Still I'm sure Simon and Marc can get along nicely without him.3thinker

Worcester woman 1964 wrote:
Shropshire lad. You are entitled to your views. Just as I am entitled to mine regardless of how long either of us has lived here It's called democracy
What a shame that the people of warndon have been denied their democratic rights. Or do they not count Perhaps they haven't lived here long enough

From the Warndon voting turnout some 80% of them don't appear to give a tinkers cuss for what happens in the Guildhall.

[quote][p][bold]Worcester woman 1964[/bold] wrote:
Shropshire lad. You are entitled to your views. Just as I am entitled to mine regardless of how long either of us has lived here It's called democracy
What a shame that the people of warndon have been denied their democratic rights. Or do they not count Perhaps they haven't lived here long enough[/p][/quote]From the Warndon voting turnout some 80% of them don't appear to give a tinkers cuss for what happens in the Guildhall.laidback

Ted Elgar wrote:
I'm not a member of the Labour Party, but I do like a good petition:
http://www.ipetition

s.com/petition/alan-

amos-must-resign

Did you organise one for a past incumbent found fornicating in the parlour with her driver?

[quote][p][bold]Ted Elgar[/bold] wrote:
I'm not a member of the Labour Party, but I do like a good petition:
http://www.ipetition
s.com/petition/alan-
amos-must-resign[/p][/quote]Did you organise one for a past incumbent found fornicating in the parlour with her driver?laidback

jammer1010 wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.

Balderdash and twaddle; "strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?

[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.[/p][/quote]Balderdash and twaddle; "strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?laidback

"Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country can do for you". The swine are fighting to get to the trough, and the barbarians are at the gate. Is it any wonder people have no trust in British politicians. The main parties have lost their moral compass.

"Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country can do for you". The swine are fighting to get to the trough, and the barbarians are at the gate. Is it any wonder people have no trust in British politicians. The main parties have lost their moral compass.Rita Jelfs

jammer1010 wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.

Balderdash and twaddle; &quot;strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?

well relatively speaking, but of course you could do similar stats for the safe Tory wards. So your assuming an area like Warndon would endorse a Tory City council? That beggars belief

[quote][p][bold]laidback[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.[/p][/quote]Balderdash and twaddle; "strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?[/p][/quote]well relatively speaking, but of course you could do similar stats for the safe Tory wards. So your assuming an area like Warndon would endorse a Tory City council? That beggars beliefjammer1010

jammer1010 wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.

Balderdash and twaddle; &quot;strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?

well relatively speaking, but of course you could do similar stats for the safe Tory wards. So your assuming an area like Warndon would endorse a Tory City council? That beggars belief

In the long term, this negative publicity may drive a sufficent number of floating voters to switch votes to be able to remove Robin Walker as the MP for Worcester, who has a rather slim majority. The Tory's, when in government, having alienated the whole of Scotland, and many industrial cities, that used to regularly return Tory MPs, but now don't return a single one (e.g Manchester) don't have a chance of ever gaining an overall majority. So every seat counts!

[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]laidback[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.[/p][/quote]Balderdash and twaddle; "strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?[/p][/quote]well relatively speaking, but of course you could do similar stats for the safe Tory wards. So your assuming an area like Warndon would endorse a Tory City council? That beggars belief[/p][/quote]In the long term, this negative publicity may drive a sufficent number of floating voters to switch votes to be able to remove Robin Walker as the MP for Worcester, who has a rather slim majority. The Tory's, when in government, having alienated the whole of Scotland, and many industrial cities, that used to regularly return Tory MPs, but now don't return a single one (e.g Manchester) don't have a chance of ever gaining an overall majority. So every seat counts!jammer1010

jammer1010 wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.

Balderdash and twaddle; &quot;strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?

well relatively speaking, but of course you could do similar stats for the safe Tory wards. So your assuming an area like Warndon would endorse a Tory City council? That beggars belief

In the long term, this negative publicity may drive a sufficent number of floating voters to switch votes to be able to remove Robin Walker as the MP for Worcester, who has a rather slim majority. The Tory's, when in government, having alienated the whole of Scotland, and many industrial cities, that used to regularly return Tory MPs, but now don't return a single one (e.g Manchester) don't have a chance of ever gaining an overall majority. So every seat counts!

Unlike yourself jammer 1010 I am unbiased, I make no assumptions and I endorse no political party. It is your unfounded statement that I consider to be the issue that merits rebuttal. As a floating voter a local political nonsense would not deter me from supporting whom I thought would be the best choice for parliamentary representative at a general election and in my view so far Mr Walker has a good record of achievement and further, unlike the Labour candidate, he was not foisted upon the constituency over the wishes of his local party members.

[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]laidback[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.[/p][/quote]Balderdash and twaddle; "strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?[/p][/quote]well relatively speaking, but of course you could do similar stats for the safe Tory wards. So your assuming an area like Warndon would endorse a Tory City council? That beggars belief[/p][/quote]In the long term, this negative publicity may drive a sufficent number of floating voters to switch votes to be able to remove Robin Walker as the MP for Worcester, who has a rather slim majority. The Tory's, when in government, having alienated the whole of Scotland, and many industrial cities, that used to regularly return Tory MPs, but now don't return a single one (e.g Manchester) don't have a chance of ever gaining an overall majority. So every seat counts![/p][/quote]Unlike yourself jammer 1010 I am unbiased, I make no assumptions and I endorse no political party. It is your unfounded statement that I consider to be the issue that merits rebuttal. As a floating voter a local political nonsense would not deter me from supporting whom I thought would be the best choice for parliamentary representative at a general election and in my view so far Mr Walker has a good record of achievement and further, unlike the Labour candidate, he was not foisted upon the constituency over the wishes of his local party members.laidback

jammer1010 wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.

Balderdash and twaddle; &quot;strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?

well relatively speaking, but of course you could do similar stats for the safe Tory wards. So your assuming an area like Warndon would endorse a Tory City council? That beggars belief

In the long term, this negative publicity may drive a sufficent number of floating voters to switch votes to be able to remove Robin Walker as the MP for Worcester, who has a rather slim majority. The Tory's, when in government, having alienated the whole of Scotland, and many industrial cities, that used to regularly return Tory MPs, but now don't return a single one (e.g Manchester) don't have a chance of ever gaining an overall majority. So every seat counts!

Unlike yourself jammer 1010 I am unbiased, I make no assumptions and I endorse no political party. It is your unfounded statement that I consider to be the issue that merits rebuttal. As a floating voter a local political nonsense would not deter me from supporting whom I thought would be the best choice for parliamentary representative at a general election and in my view so far Mr Walker has a good record of achievement and further, unlike the Labour candidate, he was not foisted upon the constituency over the wishes of his local party members.

You say you are unbiased and neutral, then spend a half a paragraph praising the Tories and attacking Labour! Your assertion that only 11.7% of Warndon voted Labour is biased, as you don't quote figures for the safe Tory wards, which would produce similar small figures. I cannot believe you are any kind of floating voter, as anyone neutral would see both sides of the story. No wonder there was a low turnout in Warndon, if you vote for a party, then the councillor switches side 4 days afterwards! What's the point of voting for him or her. If you voted for Robin Walker, then he switched sides and caused the Tory government to fall and was made of Leader of the House in return. there would be uproar!

[quote][p][bold]laidback[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]laidback[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jammer1010[/bold] wrote:
I'm assuming the Conservative party, whether you agree with them or not, are advocates of democracy. I'm also assuming they would acknowledge that Amos was elected in a strong Labour seat under a platform of support for a Labour City council. Given that he has now caused the Labour council to fall in exchange for the mayorship, a bi-election needs to be called. I'd remind the Conservatives that their MP is in a marginal seat, and if this just costs them a few hundred votes they could lose their MP as well as the city council next May, which will be strongly deserved.[/p][/quote]Balderdash and twaddle; "strong Labour seat" with 11.7% of the registered electoral vote?[/p][/quote]well relatively speaking, but of course you could do similar stats for the safe Tory wards. So your assuming an area like Warndon would endorse a Tory City council? That beggars belief[/p][/quote]In the long term, this negative publicity may drive a sufficent number of floating voters to switch votes to be able to remove Robin Walker as the MP for Worcester, who has a rather slim majority. The Tory's, when in government, having alienated the whole of Scotland, and many industrial cities, that used to regularly return Tory MPs, but now don't return a single one (e.g Manchester) don't have a chance of ever gaining an overall majority. So every seat counts![/p][/quote]Unlike yourself jammer 1010 I am unbiased, I make no assumptions and I endorse no political party. It is your unfounded statement that I consider to be the issue that merits rebuttal. As a floating voter a local political nonsense would not deter me from supporting whom I thought would be the best choice for parliamentary representative at a general election and in my view so far Mr Walker has a good record of achievement and further, unlike the Labour candidate, he was not foisted upon the constituency over the wishes of his local party members.[/p][/quote]You say you are unbiased and neutral, then spend a half a paragraph praising the Tories and attacking Labour! Your assertion that only 11.7% of Warndon voted Labour is biased, as you don't quote figures for the safe Tory wards, which would produce similar small figures. I cannot believe you are any kind of floating voter, as anyone neutral would see both sides of the story. No wonder there was a low turnout in Warndon, if you vote for a party, then the councillor switches side 4 days afterwards! What's the point of voting for him or her. If you voted for Robin Walker, then he switched sides and caused the Tory government to fall and was made of Leader of the House in return. there would be uproar!jammer1010

FromTheOutside wrote:
I don't think I've ever read such a politically biased article in a local newspaper.

It's one thing to report biased opinions, but another to be the originator of them.

While most national papers have known political leanings, I strongly believe a local paper ought to strive for objectivity - across the full political spectrum.

Asking questions and reporting opinions is fine - but this 'article' reads as if it's been written by a Labour press officer!

it probably was, but he may have been conservative last week!

[quote][p][bold]FromTheOutside[/bold] wrote:
I don't think I've ever read such a politically biased article in a local newspaper.
It's one thing to report biased opinions, but another to be the originator of them.
While most national papers have known political leanings, I strongly believe a local paper ought to strive for objectivity - across the full political spectrum.
Asking questions and reporting opinions is fine - but this 'article' reads as if it's been written by a Labour press officer![/p][/quote]it probably was, but he may have been conservative last week!liketoknow